1025 research outputs found
Sort by
Presence of Benevolent Racism in College Students and Effects of Extracurricular Involvement
No full textUnlike traditional-racism, where the stereotypes are entirely negative, the idea of modern-racism tends to be less overtly undesirable. This phenomenon is known as benevolent racism. While negative racism is still prevalent, our research focused on identifying the presence and extent of benevolent racism. We hypothesized that benevolent racism would be present, and that involvement in diversity organizations would negatively correlate with benevolent racism and negative racism. Our sample of 93 students read descriptions of two targets (one female, one male) and then rated the likelihood of various behaviors, some of which reflected benevolent racism. Target race (Black or White) was a between-subject variable. Participants then completed the Multidimensional Racism Scale (Neville et al, 2000), and listed their involvement in campus organizations. Though the research suggested a shift towards positive traits in stereotyping and negative correlation between diversity clubs and racism, there were no significant effects found to support our hypothesis
Consequences of EAB induced Ash mortality on liana abundance and litter-fall
No full textRecently across the U.S. invasive tree killing insects, such as the woody adelgid, emerald ash borer, and other bark beetles, have become common and have the potential to greatly impact forest health. This study focuses on the emerald ash borer and its effects on ash tree populations in Pennsylvania. A leaf litter collection and a liana census were done to evaluate the differences between ash and non-ash trees in relation to the effects of the emerald ash borer. There was no significant difference found in the amount of leaf litter under the ash versus non-ash trees. There was no significant difference in the relation to the amount, size, and type of lianas growing on the ash and non-ash trees. The emerald ash borer invasions and destruction at high levels can cause even more damage to forests than what this study has been able to show
Coffee, Bees, and Climate Change
No full textWorldwide, we drink over 500 billion cups of coffee every year. It is estimated that the demand for coffee will have doubled by 2050, but the suitable land to grow it on will be cut in half due to climate change, specifically due to changes in temperature and precipitation. In addition to climate change, coffee production will also likely be affected indirectly through changes in pollination services from bees. Currently, new hybrid coffee varieties are being developed to be more climate resilient, disease and pest resistant, and that are also high producing and of high quality. We include three case studies of adaptation strategies currently being implemented in specific regions already impacted by climate change
Role of Sulfur-reducign Bacteria in Acid Mine Drainage and Methylmercury Production
No full textAcid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a result of the exposure of pyritic compounds to air, water and bacteria during and after mining activity. The chemical reaction that takes place during this exposure produces massive amounts of hydrogen cations, and the rate-limiting step is catalyzed by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB). Attempts to passively remediate AMD focus on sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB), as their metabolism can be exploited to reduce the oxidized sulfur, raise alkalinity and precipitate heavy metals found in mine effluents. It is also thought that SRB’s are responsible for the production of methylmercury, the most bioavailable mercury-compound. This is a two-pronged study intended to investigate the role of sulfur-reducing bacteria in the production of AMD and methylmercury in mine-impacted waterways and AMD remediation sites in central Pennsylvania (Centralia and Shamokin). We take a molecular approach, using a commercial environmental DNA isolation kit and PCR to look for and amplify three genes involved in sulfur reduction, sulfur oxidation and mercury metabolism (DSR, SOXA1, and HgcAB, respectively). Preliminary results suggest the presence of DSR and SOXA1, but not HgcAB in mine drainage pools in Centralia, and none of the target genes at the Shamokin remediation site. Ongoing research has identified at least one more DSR primer that has amplified the target region of a positive control
Restoration of Faces Disfigured during World War I and the Advancement of Maxillofacial Surgery
No full textDue to the advancement of arms, warfare during the First World War was especially destructive compared to previous wars. The use of arms such as machine guns and cannons led soldiers to suffer from major injuries. This artillery produced injuries for which soldiers needed advanced care to return to normal function. Also, soldiers were particularly vulnerable to blows to the head and face due to the use of trenches. Healing and re-entrance into society required creativity and progress in the field of maxillofacial surgery and also provoked artistic innovation
The Effects of Caffeine on Insulin Resistant 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
No full textThe 3T3-L1 cell line is a commonly used model system in studies on obesity and adipogenesis due to the ease and speed that 3T3-L1 fibroblasts can be differentiated into mature adipocytes. Previous studies have shown that insulin resistance can be induced in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes by incubation with relatively high concentrations of insulin and glucose. Since caffeine has been shown to inhibit adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, we wanted to test the effects of caffeine on untreated mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and insulin resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were grown to maturity following standard methods involving treatment with IBMX, dexamethasone, and insulin. At maturity, insulin resistance in adipocytes will be induced using insulin/glucose feeding, while control adipocytes will be untreated. Insulin resistance in adipocytes will be demonstrated by decreased levels of phosphorylation of Akt. Both control and insulin resistant adipocytes will be treated with 0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, and 5.0 mM caffeine. Western blot analysis will be used to examine caffeine-induced differences in phosphorylation of Akt between control and insulin resistant adipocytes. Caffeine-induced changes in lipid accumulation and cell morphology will be also be examined with microscopy and Oil Red O staining. We believe that caffeine treatment will cause proportionally greater inhibition of Akt phosphorylation and lipid accumulation in insulin resistant adipocytes compared to control adipocytes. The results of this study may serve as a model system for potential caffeine-based treatments of Type 2 diabetes
Predatory State: An Analysis of Petty Corruption Participation in West Africa
No full textOne of the most elusive economic and social problems West Africa faces today is that of petty corruption. Placing a burden on the poor and allowing those with funds to escape the rule of law, the payment of small bribes and gifts to acquire basic services has become a defining characteristic of modern African states. Though the social effects of petty corruption are well-documented, few studies have attempted to identify the reasons ordinary people participate in this illegal behavior. In this study, I have examined individual-level survey data from across West Africa, and found significant evidence that interactions with the state and officials, poverty, and access to basic services and public facilities lead to massive increases in various forms of petty corruption. These findings provide insight into the reasons why petty corruption has become endemic in West Africa, and why governments have been so ineffective at finding a solution
Synthesis of Thujone Derivatives as Potential Antibacterial Agents
No full textAlpha-thujone and beta-thujone are the major components of the essentials oil of Thuja occidentalis (white cedar). In addition to anticancer, insecticidal and nervous system effects, the thujones have shown antibacterial activity against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, with MIC values ranging from 0.09-0.95 mg/mL. In the current study, twelve thujol esters were synthesized using a mixture of alpha and beta thujones (7:1 ratio) as starting material. The thujone mixture was reduced with sodium borohydride, followed by esterification of the resulting diastereomeric alcohols. The esters were evaluated for growth inhibitory effects against clinically isolated Staphylococcus aureus strains
The Impact of Clothing and Hair Styles on the Formation of First Impressions
No full textStudies of impressions based on appearance generally manipulate only one appearance factor (e.g., clothing), typically with targets of one gender. Our 64 subjects rated photos of female or male targets (between-subjects) who differed in appearance on two within-subjects dimensions, style of dress (business, casual, or sloppy) and hair style (traditional or non-traditional), on several characteristics. Both style of dress and hair style had significant effects, which for some characteristics interacted with target sex
Mental Health in Education: How Does my Mental Health Help or Hinder my Work in the Classroom?
No full textMy research project is a self-study on how mental health can affect one’s teaching practices. I have looked into the following four themes: types of mental health disorders and how they are diagnosed, the stigma surrounding mental health, personal battles with mental illnesses/disorders, and strategies to cope with mental health. I have focused on comparing the media’s stigma surrounding mental health and how it affects whether people seek help and support. I have also focused on finding strategies to help not only teachers, but also students cope with their mental illness. The purpose of this self-study is to further develop my knowledge of mental health. My personal battles with mental health will aid me in understanding the struggles my students may face and it will make me a better advocate. In conclusion, all of my research supports my efforts in breaking the stigma that encircles mental health